Fans often focus on players from other teams the Cowboys should or intend to pursue. That's the wrong way to look at it.

The club's emphasis is retaining its own players before they hit free agency.

There are currently 18 free agents on the team's roster. Here's the likely priority list:

No. 1: S Barry Church

Type: Unrestricted

2016 impact: A fractured forearm forced Church to miss four games. He still finished second on the team in tackles with 109. His two interceptions led the Cowboys. Church's end-zone interception in the fourth quarter against Washington in Week 2 kept the team within three points and set up the first victory -- and first come-from-behind victory -- of rookie Dak Prescott's career.

What Cowboys safety Barry Church says are his free agency priorities

Why he's likely to return: Church doesn't come up with a lot of turnovers. Safeties in demand on the free-agent market get turnovers. That doesn't mean he's not valuable. Church is the unquestioned leader of the back end of the Cowboys defense. He's a physical player who is outstanding against the run and has improved noticeably in coverage.

Church isn't a star, but he's much more than a solid contributor. He's a leader and an integral part of the defense. He would be difficult to replace. He should be at the top of the list of free agents the Cowboys must retain.